William O'Shea

JACKSONVILLE, FLA. — William (Bill) O’Shea, 78, formerly of Naples, passed away peacefully Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2013at Community Hospice in Jacksonville, Fla. His wife, Harmony Dawn, was by his side as well as a few of his children.

Bill was born to Christopher and Susan O’Shea, July 5, 1935 in New York, N.Y.  He left the city to join the United States Navy where he served on the U.S.S. Meredith (DD-890) “Old Gold” and was a veteran of the Korean War. Afterward, he joined the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and was part of the dredging operations of the Suez Canal. A few years later, Bill returned to the Empire State, met his wife Harmony, and together they began a lifelong partnership of marriage, family and business that began with their first born, Karen Marie. To follow, the newlyweds opened several businesses in the metropolitan area, including one in Times Square, but the O’Shea’s were best known for their Donut Haven in North Windham, which was originally established in New York City in 1960. Bill was the essence of the American entrepreneur, passing this spirit down to his children, but the memories Bill leaves behind extend well beyond the donut shop as a place of business. In 1991, after three of his sons were deployed for the Gulf War “Operation: Desert Storm,” Bill opened the doors of Donut Haven as a military family support group for the surrounding communities. He was also a well-known figure on the Naples Causeway and could always be seen taking his morning walks, talking to friends, and making new ones. He was a great man, an ambassador of good will with a big heart and could make a stranger feel like family. His compassion for others was matched with his passion for real estate, carpentry and football. However, anyone who knew Bill knew that his greatest loves were his children.

Following retirement, Bill and Harmony fulfilled a dream and moved to sunny Florida, where he lived out the remainder of his years.

Bill was predeceased by two of his children, Jennifer and Mark.

He is survived by his wife Harmony; his daughter Karen; his six sons, Christopher, William, Keith, Brian, Stephen and Rusty; and his sister, Susanne. Bill also leaves behind an extended family that includes nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and close friends in Florida, New Jersey, New York, Massachusetts, Maine and Minnesota.

“As you ramble through Life, Brother, whatever be your goal.

Keep your eye upon the doughnut, and not upon the hole,” — The Optimist’s Creed.

A service will be held at the Edes Falls Cemetery on Route 11, Naples in the late spring 2014. For further details, please contact the family at: rememberbilloshea@gmail.com

The family appreciates your prayers and well wishes for Bill.